5 Best Hidden Places in Maharashtra

Offbeat Places in Maharashtra 

Maharashtra is blessed with stunning natural beauty and diverse topography. The third-largest state in India in terms of area, Maharashtra boasts majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, thick forests, rolling hills, and fascinating forts that testify to the state's glorious history.  

When you think of Maharashtra tourism, you may inevitably think of famous places like Matheran, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, etc. But the state has many unexplored places to be discovered. As an avid traveller, if you are always looking for newer paths to tread, there are plenty of hidden places in Maharashtra that will surprise you beyond your imagination.  

1st May 1960 is an important date in the history of Maharashtra as it was the day when the state got its independent status despite its existence for more than 4000 years. Hence, it is celebrated as Maharashtra Divas or Maharashtra Day. As the historic day is just around the corner, we are planning to celebrate this beautiful and rich land by sharing some of the less explored destinations in Maharashtra that you can explore. 

Also Read: Maharashtra Tourism – Your Travel Guide To Make the Most of Your Holidays in Maharashtra

Karla and Bhaja Caves

When anyone mentions caves in Maharashtra, your mind may invariably wander to Ajanta and Ellora's historic and iconic caves, right? There are many caves that may not be famous but are equally alluring.  

One such cave is the Karla and Bhaja caves, which served as the place of refuge for the Buddhist monks and travellers from the historical era. Located close to Lonavala, these caves are just off the main street, yet somehow, they have been a hidden gem of Maharashtra.  

These caves will surely catch your interest if you are looking for fascinating offbeat places in Maharashtra. During your visit, pay close attention to the intricate carvings on the pillars and the walls. These caves, believed to be constructed around the 1st or 2nd century BC, look magnificent, and the inscriptions are still fresh and appear to be speaking to you.  

Also, the construction of these caves is a fine specimen of the brilliant craftsmanship of the architects during that era. It is mind-boggling how they managed to carve such caves back in time. They also serve as an excellent backdrop to click some stunning pictures!  

So, head to these caves for a tryst with history and make some beautiful memories you can cherish forever! 

Chikhaldara

Maharashtra is one of the important states in India that contributes significantly to the nation's agricultural output. While the state is known for its rice, mangoes, coconut, sugarcane, tobacco, and grapes production, coffee plantations in the state are unheard of and for a good reason, as there are not many coffee estates in the region.  

However, Chikhaldara is an exemption. It is the only coffee-producing region in the state. And for this reason, it features in our list of the best-hidden places in Maharashtra. Located at an altitude of 1118 metres, Chikhaldara is a unique hill station in the Amravati district.  

Blessed with abundant natural beauty and a pleasant climate, the untouched beauty of Chikhaldara is awe-inspiring! The long and never-ending slopes of coffee estates in the region are surrounded by lush green forests, home to several wildlife species, including sloth bears, wild boars, wild dogs, and tigers.  

Exploring these estates allows you to spot these animals in their natural setting and breathe the fresh air, laced with the sweet scent of the fresh coffee beans that soothes the soul. The region has many viewpoints, waterfalls, and lakes, making Chikhaldara one of the best-unexplored places to visit, where you can write your tales of adventure! 

Kamshet

Have you always dreamt of flying freely in the sky like birds and gliding over the beautiful mountains and lakes below? Well, you can make your dream come true and enjoy soaring in the sky as you go on a paragliding expedition at Kamshet, one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.  

Kamshet, a lesser-known city close to Pune, is a replica of paradise! One of the best destinations in India for paragliding, it is graced with bountiful natural beauty. If you want to do something offbeat and tickle your adventurous bone, head to Kamshet and go paragliding.  

Here, the expert paragliding pilots take you on a thrilling flight and as you soar in the sky, you get a surreal bird’s eye view of the magnificent Western Ghats and the serene Pawna Lake below. You can also go camping in the hills, spend a night under the blanket of the stars and enjoy stargazing as the cool breeze ruffles your hair.  

Also Read: Explore Karjat in Maharashtra: A Complete Travel Guide

Lonar

Lonar is one of the best offbeat places in Maharashtra. A notified national geo-heritage site, it is the oldest meteoric crater formed in basalt rock. This crater lake is spread over 1.2 kilometres and is surrounded by mountains and plenty of greenery, making it an excellent destination for you to holiday.  

A few years ago, the lake attracted widespread media attention as the water turned pink due to the high saturation activities of the Haloarchaea microbes. The lake, which otherwise looks green, not only looks magnificent, but just being around it is sure to give you immense pleasure and fill you with a sense of pride for being close to one of the rarest wonders on earth.  

It is a beautiful weekend getaway destination or a picnic site where you can spend a peaceful time amidst nature and enjoy the magnificent view. So, when are you planning a trip to this hidden gem of Maharashtra? 

Bhandardara

There are many less explored destinations in Maharashtra, but one that stands out is Bhandardara! This picturesque hamlet in the Sahyadri mountain range is blessed with lush valleys, beautiful waterfalls, serene lakes, and misty hills that evoke a sense of tranquility.  

The peaceful aura of Bhandardara is further accentuated by its pristine natural beauty, where the sparkling waters of the Arthur Lake glisten like diamonds under the warm sun. The lofty peaks that surround this serene waterbody, hidden in a veil of mist and fog, create a relaxing atmosphere. The soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a symphony that is music to the ears.

For those who crave adventure and excitement, Bhandardara offers many thrilling activities to choose from. Trekking and hiking enthusiasts can embark on a journey to conquer the majestic peaks of Ajoba and Kalsubai, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding Sahyadri ranges and offer an unmatched sense of serenity.

The rugged terrain of the Sahyadri ranges provides an ideal setting for rock climbing, rappelling, and zip-lining, making Bhandardara a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. For those seeking a more laidback adventure, camping and fishing by the calm Arthur Lake is a perfect option, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful environment, making this one of the best offbeat places in Maharashtra. 

Stay at Club Mahindra Resorts to make your holiday to Maharashtra's hidden gems unforgettable.

No matter where you go on a holiday, you can make your family time more fun, entertaining, and memorable by booking your stay at the closest Club Mahindra resort in the region. For example, if you plan to go to Kamshet for a weekend trip, you can stay at Club Mahindra Tungi Resort, one of the best resorts in Lonavala. Kamshet is only a stone's throw away from the resort, and you can enjoy a pleasant stay with your loved ones, leaving you thoroughly rejuvenated to return to your routine. 

At these places to visit in Maharashtra, you can explore the unexplored and experience true natural beauty. So, pack your bags and set out on an adventure to uncover these hidden treasures.

Also Read: 5 Unique Experiences You Can Enjoy in Maharashtra